Spanish Translation of Saint Augustine's "City of God" 1446 - 1482

This is a page from a Spanish translation of St. Augustine’s “City of God,” likely made in the 15th century by Cano de Aranda. During this period in Spain, religious texts were both a source of knowledge and a tool for social control. This translation reflects the complex interplay between religious authority, linguistic identity, and political power. Consider the act of translation itself, the power dynamics inherent in interpreting and disseminating religious doctrine in a new linguistic context. What does it mean to make Augustine’s words accessible to a Spanish-speaking audience? What cultural nuances and interpretations might shift in the process? The ornate decorations and illuminated letters were not just aesthetic choices; they served to elevate the text, reinforcing its importance and divine authority. These artistic elements, combined with the act of translation, highlight the intertwined roles of religion, art, and language in shaping cultural identity and power structures in medieval Spain.